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Ashcott & Shapwick 2^nd XI v Watchet 2^nd XI

A depleted Watchet second team came away from their top of the table clash defeated but not outclassed, losing by 59 runs in a game in which a very young side gave a very good account of themselves.

Lacking several regulars for several reasons, and losing two players after an unfortunate training incident the previous evening Watchet went into the game with three debutants. 

Having won the toss stand-in skipper Tayler Maddock, left, inserted the hosts on a track that notoriously keeps very low.  Despite several close calls Ashcott reached 44 before losing their first wicket in the twelfth over, with Jamie Milton bowling S Edmunds for 13.

Four overs later Milton made in two, forcing Bartram to edge to the wicketkeeper with one that had a hint of swing.  This brought Higgs to the wicket, and he made his intentions obvious from the start with some powerful driving.  This assault, ably helped by Skinner at the other end, accelerated the score to 127 off of 25 overs.  David Milton, pictured left, promptly then ended the partnership, bowling Higgs for 36.

Skinner was beginning to open out, and with Royall at the other end starting to play his shots a score of around 250 could have been possible.  However, Royall pulled his hamstring running a quick single and was forced to retire hurt, and his replacement Gardiner swiftly holed out to Maddock at mid-off off Jamie Milton’s bowling.

Watchet experienced no more joy until the penultimate ball, Chris Wookey finally being rewarded after castling Skinner for an invaluable 89.  Ashcott closed on an imposing 232 for 5, which could have been more without the tireless fielding efforts of young Danny Williams, Ryan Jones and Brandon Walsh.

Watchet were further hampered by a fielding injury to Andy Norman, a top-performer with the bat this season, meaning he could not take his customary place at the top of the order.  Instead Wookey and Jamie Milton, right, opened, and in just the fourth over Wookey was stumped for nine.

Maddock then entered the fray, hitting a nice 22 before chipping to short midwicket after a partnership of 51.  Jamie Milton was next to go, sawn off for a senior-best 38 after being hit well above the pad.  Ryan Strong was next to go in similar fashion to Maddock after he had unfurled some classy cover drives.

With Ryan Jones run out after a mix-up the old hands David Milton and Norman (with a runner) came to the crease, and with Norman pushing the ball around and occasionally lashing out and Milton playing in his own style, characterised by a mighty six high over long leg, the chase looked on.  However, Milton suffered the second dubious umpiring decision of the day and was given out for a quick-fire 22.

Only a fine last wicket stand of 38 prevented humiliation from here, with Williams batting sensibly for 7 not out and Norman, pictured left, caught on the boundary for 46 the innings ended in the forty-second over on 173 all out.

Ashcott and Shapwick II: 232-5 (Skinner 89, Higgs 36, J Milton 3-49)

Watchet II: 173 (A Norman 46, J Milton 38, P Hunt 4-31)

Points: Aschcott and Shapwick II 35, Watchet II 13

ASHCOTT AND SHAPWICK 2^nd X1 INNINGS  

                                                                                          FOR FIVE    232

WATCHET 2^nd X1 INNINGS

                                                                                          ALL OUT      173.

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